Zelenskyy Launches 40-Day Offensive Targeting Russian Energy and Industry

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy approved a 40-day influence and intelligence operation executed by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) to pressure Russia into ending the war. Characterizing the campaign as "long-range sanctions," Ukraine launched some of its largest aerial assaults since 2022, targeting Russian oil refineries in the Krasnodar and Yaroslavl regions, as well as communication nodes in Moscow and Vladimir. High-precision FP-5 Flamingo cruise missiles were notably used to strike the Titan-Barrikady ballistic missile plant in Volgograd, which produces components for Iskander-M and ICBM systems.

Russia responded with massive ballistic missile and drone barrages targeting Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa, damaging the Darnytsia pharmaceutical plant and striking Naftogaz production facilities. Russian forces also claimed the capture of the settlements of Pisantsy and Novoselivka and targeted Ukrainian special operations centers. The Russian Defense Ministry reported intercepting up to 660 drones in a single night during the peak of the Ukrainian offensive.

The escalation has caused significant economic disruption within Russia. The International Energy Agency reported a 5% drop in Russian crude oil production, while refinery capacity fell by an estimated 20%. These losses triggered a state of emergency in Crimea and fuel restrictions in Siberia. In response to these challenges, President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that Russia is navigating a "difficult period" and vowed to ensure the security of the country's borders.